Overtime Rate Calculator
Work out exactly how much you earn for time-and-a-half, double time, and total overtime pay based on your regular hourly wage and hours worked.
Calculate Overtime Pay
Enter your regular hourly rate, standard hours, and overtime hours. The calculator instantly works out your premium rate and total gross earnings.
Overtime Pay Estimator
Get an instant breakdown of your regular and overtime earnings.
Understanding Overtime Pay
Key concepts for employees and payroll managers
Know Your Base Rate
Your regular hourly rate is the foundation. Ensure this meets or exceeds the current UK National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for your age group.
Identify the Multiplier
Time-and-a-half (1.5x) is standard for extra hours. Double time (2.0x) is typically reserved for public holidays, Sundays, or emergency call-outs.
Calculate the Premium
Multiply your base rate by the multiplier to get your overtime hourly rate, then multiply that by the number of overtime hours worked.
Tax Implications
Overtime is taxed at your standard PAYE rate. It is not taxed at a special ‘overtime tax rate’, though high overtime earnings could push you into a higher tax bracket.
Common Overtime Multipliers
Standard overtime rate multipliers and their typical use cases in UK employment contracts.
| Multiplier | Common Name | Typical Use Case | Example (Based on £15/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | Regular contracted hours | £15.00 per hour | |
| Quarter Time | Minor shift extensions or specific role allowances | £18.75 per hour | |
| Time-and-a-Half | Hours worked beyond 40 hours/week or Saturdays | £22.50 per hour | |
| Double Time | Bank holidays, Sundays, or emergency call-outs | £30.00 per hour |
Overtime Pay FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about overtime rates and UK employment law.
Time-and-a-half is calculated by multiplying your regular hourly rate by 1.5. For example, if your normal rate is £12.00 per hour, your time-and-a-half rate is £18.00 per hour (£12.00 × 1.5).
Double time is an overtime rate that is exactly twice the employee’s regular hourly rate. It is typically reserved for working on public holidays, Sundays, or during emergency call-outs, depending on the employment contract.
No, UK employers are not legally required to pay overtime or offer time-and-a-half rates unless it is explicitly stated in the employment contract. However, your average pay including overtime must never fall below the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Overtime is not taxed at a special or higher rate. It is added to your total gross income and taxed according to your standard PAYE tax code. However, earning significant overtime could push your total annual income into a higher tax bracket.
Generally, no, unless your employment contract specifically states that overtime is mandatory. Even then, you cannot be forced to work more than an average of 48 hours per week unless you have voluntarily opted out of the Working Time Regulations.